I was sent a sample case by Poetic to review.
The first thing that strikes out is how durable and rugged the case is. It consists of two pieces, one internal that the phone snaps into, and an external one that hugs the first one and provides very solid protection from drops etc. It comes assembled and it takes some effort to disassemble (i.e. separate the two pieces). Then assembling it as well is tricky as you have to press gradually all over the case to make the two pieces stick together. On the upside, this ensures that the protection is solid and the phone stays snug inside. There are proper cutouts for the camera, including the proximity sensor in the back, the fingerprint reader, and all the ports, with nice rubber flaps to only have them open when access is needed.
The inside part also has a plastic screen protector over it, which is quite underwhelming. While it provides some extra protection, mainly from dust, it makes the phone more difficult to use, as the touch functionality is slightly impaired. The reason is that there's a slight gap (less than 1mm) between the plastic cover and the actual screen. That's with a (very thin) tempered glass screen protector already applied to my phone. I don't know if the screen protector has an impact (positive or negative) to this issue. It would be better if the plastic screen cover was removable as it's not fully water-proof and dust-proof anyway, because of the cutouts for the speakers.
That said, for the intended customers of this case (people that want to use their phone in adverse outdoors conditions, for example construction workers, etc.), the ruggedness and protection of the case makes up for the slightly reduced functionality.
Two extra nice touches are the built in stand, that works in both portrait and landscape mode, and the corner lanyard clip, which seems durable enough to make you feel comfortable, combined with the overall ruggedness of the case, to have the phone hanging from there while you are cycling for example.
Overall, while for most city dwellers, it's clearly overkill, I would recommend the case for these special occasions where the extra protection is really needed or for people that are in an environment that makes it necessary. It would be a five star product actually if the screen protector was of higher quality and didn't reduce the touch sensitivity.
Related
I ordered one of these off of Amazon Friday when I got my Nexus
goo.gl/qpBr
I ordered through DayDeals. I received the two halves that snap together, but no belt clip
I want to note that the sides not shown in the picture are white, and it makes viewing the sides inconsistent and kinda ugly. It fits like a very tight glove except for the top left corner. It doesn't snap down all the way.
The case is very light, and in my opinion flimsy. I don't care too much about protecting it from light scratches, as I've ordered a full-body skin from Zagg to do that. I want to protect it from accidental drops, and I don't think this case can do that for me.
It flexes easily and unnecessarily.
I do like it shape, if it were to snap down completely. It leaves the entire screen open for my fingers to fing, and all controls are easily accessible, no ports or holes are covered up.
I also noticed that having a case prevents my hand from touching the screen and screwing up the points at which the screen recognizes input.
However this is overshadowed by the fact that the case provides less friction or grip than the phone without the case. I found the phone would slip slowly out of my palms while trying to type in horizontal mode.
Pros:
Nicely shaped
Doesn't cover holes or controls
Very light and unobtrusive
Improves accuracy with touch screen
Cons:
Did not include belt clip
Flimsy
Slippery
Does not fully fit over the phone
Unlikely to protect the phone in case of accidental drops
Overall I would give this product 3 points on a scale of 10. For less than $10 I didn't really expect much. I'd much prefer a Body Glove hard shell case similar to the one I had with my MT3G.
I got the same case and have the exact same issues. Already ordered a TPU case to replace it.
I have the same case as well, and would have to say that I agree with all your points... one thing (maybe the only thing) I like about the case is that it didn't add a whole lot of bulk, and still fits in my Case Logic holster which already had a snug fit for the phone.
I got two of these off ebay and both fit the phone perfectly. I know what you're talking about with regards to fit though. I ran into the same problem with similar cases for the G1 several times.
I purchased the Body Glove hard case (matrix) and am quite pleased with it. While it isn't perfect, I can't see there being much better for this phone.
Aesthetics.
I think it looks pretty slick. The back is pretty flashy and it looks pretty good on the phone. It doesn't cover much of the face itself, which I think is good since I have a screen protector and it doesn't inhibit the track pad.
Protection.
I haven't dropped it yet, but it does sport a protective felt-like pad on the back side so it won't scar the metal back. The front does provide enough protection that if it landed on its face, I think it will provide enough gap between the concrete and the screen - about as much gap as my iPhone's case which has survived me 2 years and many drops on the face. It's a functional, protective case, we can leave it at that.
Use.
It snapped onto the phone surprisingly well and doesn't inhibit any functionality. It slides out of the pocket very easily (just as well as a naked phone, probably better than a gel case) and only adds a little extra bulk...overall it is only slightly larger than my iPhone 3g, but that is just the added keyboard. The weight added is negligible.
Issue.
My one complaint is that the case is not as rigid as hard cases I am used to. The part around the screen is flexible, and as you can see in some photos I attached, it really does bow out when given the right amount of pressure.
Overall.
Awesome case: looks nice, provides enough protection (IMO), and doesn't interfere with other photo functions.
Also, I have added the T-Mobile anti-smear/anti-glare screen protector, which works great:
The feel is good - right now it might be a little to clean and my fingers don't swipe to great - i'll follow up on this as I use the phone more.
It covers MOST of the screen..you can see in my first photo that there is only a little piece of screen (the bottom of the buttons) that is uncovered.
It hides finger prints and smudges like a champion and doesn't take away from the screen clarity IMO - but I've always used a anti-glare screen protector, and i don't notice any sort of grainy-ness.
Doesn't take away from the responsiveness of the buttons on the bottom.
My phone is yet to be activated (company line), but overall just playing around on WiFi for a few hours, I am very satisfied and would recommend this combination.
I purchased the body glove case, and I do not like it at all.
It seems a lot thinner and cheap compared to other bodyglove cases.
At 29.99 in the T-mobile store it is a rip-off. I am going to buy the oem one...it seems sturdier at half the price.
Just saw this body glove case with kickstand for $11
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Gloves-Glove-Snap-T-Mobile/dp/B0042AH37M/ref=pd_sim_cps_3
Anybody tried this before? Good deal?
Disclaimer:
I was sent this case for free by Poetic in exchange for an honest review. So here is my take.
This is a minimal case and comes in clear polycarbonate plastic body with black or clear softer TPU reinforcements to provide drop as well as scratch protection. Overall the feel is fantastic. This case fits perfectly on the phone, not too tight and not too loose. Very easy to take the case off and put back on, in case you need to tidy up your phone or remove dust accumulation under the case.
Lips covering the glass screen are minimal so any screen protector you may have would work as compared to some other brands (Adopted from Play Store) that make this lip too big that it start digging into the screen protector and destroys it.
Since the case is minimal, it doesn’t add too much to the physical dimensions of phone. For drop protection Poetic took a different approach on this case. Instead of providing drop protection by making the phone case bigger and leaving air gaps at all four corners, Poetic made the main case to the size of phone then applied TPU on all four corners, around camera port and main body for drop protection. I like this approach better as you get minimal case but also drop protection in the same package without adding too much to the physical dimensions.
On the top, cutout for headphone jack is perfect. At the bottom, cutout for USB connector is adequate to allow for inserting usb cable without any issues. Only original google cable (that came prepackaged with the phone) with somewhat bigger connector was rubbing against the case material and pushing it but since it was hitting the soft TPU part, I didn’t have any issues inserting the connector fully. I have an i-Orange cable and a micro usb to usb-c adapter and both worked perfectly through the cutout. On the left and right hand sides there are very prominent ridges that add to extra grip. Combine that with two soft TPU lines (ribs?) on the back makes for an excellent grip. There is no way this phone is slipping out of your hand or pocket during normal use.
On the back side, cutout for camera, flash and laser is perfect. With camera module fully exposed and rest of the visor fully covered. Camera cutout is outlined with same TPU material to absorb shock and protecting visor glass. Cutout for mic is also perfectly aligned. Fingerprint scanner cutout is adequately large and angled, making it fully exposed. I didn’t have any issues using it during normal use.
On the right side of case, power and volume buttons are properly raised and feel clicky in use. However I found two issues with them. One, all buttons (1 for power and 2 for volume up and down) are of same size and feel. Poetic should have made the volume button as one long button instead of two separate ones for easy differentiation as I have been hitting volume key too many times while trying to hit the power button or they could have made the power button with a different texture. Two, all buttons are too sensitive to touch. Even a slight bump on the buttons would turn the phone screen ON/OFF or volume to go UP/DOWN.
Overall, I really like this case. Only things I don’t like about this is a big frosted “P” logo that covers the part of “Nexus” printed on the back of phone and even larger frosted “Affinity” that is printed along the right side of the case. In my opinion it takes away from rather clean looks of the case and is more of an eyesore.
Currently, its available at Amazon for $9.95 (Free shipping with prime). If you are okay with P logo and frosted Affinity then its an excellent case for the money. Fits well, provides adequate protection and looks good too. I wouldn’t buy it with my own money because of the P logo and Affinity print on the case. Hope this helps. Enjoy the photos.
For those reading this review, the P and the frosted Affinity is removed in the newer version. I bought two and they now have the in the space above the fingerprint reader. I've had this case probably for over a year now and it works awesome, even after taking it on and off many times as well as through several drops and no broken, dented or scratches on my phone.
Bought that new revision. Unfortunately my is a bit loose on the top and around keys. Reverted back to Spigen ragged armor which by far is best case for 6P
Hello! Poetic kindly provided me with both their Affinity and Revolution cases for review. As there are a bunch of similar threads here on XDA, I'll try to keep this post brief but informative.
General
One overarching statement I can make about these cases is that they have very distinctive designs, and probably won't appeal to those who appreciate a more minimalist aesthetic (e.g. those who use a Diztronic TPU or Spigen Slim Fit case). Style preferences, are, of course, objective, so I'll try to evaluate design based on function as much as form.
Affinity
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - The case I received has an updated design (compared to the image currently on the Amazon page); the "P" logo is now between the cutouts for the microphone and fingerprint sensor, and the "Affinity" branding has been completely removed. I appreciate these changes, as it no longer obscures the phone's own "nexus" logo and overall reduces visual clutter. I've found the clear polycarbonate to be quite the fingerprint magnet; having not used any other clear cases to compare against, I'm not sure if this is a common thing or not. Hard TPU runs along the back, wraps around the corners, camera cutout, and buttons; however, the sides are a glossy plastic with raised bumps. I'm not fond of this plastic because while it does provide some extra grip, it's not quite as comfortable to hold as the rubber ridges on my Speck Candyshell Grip case. The slim profile of this case adds imperceptible bulk to the phone.
Cutouts - I've found no issues with cutouts for the ports, camera, or fingerprint sensor. Regarding the latter, the edge is pretty steeply bevelled, but doesn't feel sharp when I glide my finger over it. The thin profile of the case makes it not really an issue.
Protection - Speaking of the thin profile, the upper lip barely extends beyond the phone's screen; this is great for people who use (practically) edge-to-edge screen protectors. However, there is still enough of a lip for you to not worry about placing the phone face-down on a surface without a screen protector. Having TPU around all four corners should provide a little extra drop protection, as well. I haven't used the case long enough to see whether the TPU on the rear actually reduces scratching of the clear polycarbonate
Final Thoughts - This is a great case for someone looking for a clear back, but also wanting a bit more grip and drop protection than other clear cases on the market.
4/5 stars
Revolution
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - This case is colossal with distinct, military/industrial styling. Personally, I don't really like the fake screws or seemingly-whimsical use of glossy TPU along the sides; if it provides no specific function, I don't think it needs to be a visual element (aside from some branding), in my opinion. If the hard polycarbonate back plate was really bolted onto the second TPU layer, that my opinion would've been different. The Nexus 6P is already a pretty large phone, and this case definitely makes it feel quite a bit bulkier. However, I really like the subtle texture of the TPU along the sides and button covers; it adds a nice amount of grip to an otherwise unwieldy case.
Cutouts - The headphone jack and USB-C ports are guarded by hard plastic and covered with TPU flaps; while I've found no fit issues with my headphones or stock charging cable, those with particularly bulky headphone jacks might run into issues, though the USB port opening is fairly generous. There's a much more gradual bevel towards the fingerprint sensor than with the Affinity case.
Protection - This case is obviously all about protection. The phone is first clipped into a plastic bumper with a built-in plastic screen protector before it's inserted into the TPU/plastic hybrid layer. This thing will be very resilient against drops! Having port covers is great protection against dust. Unfortunately, I found the built-in screen protector to be more of a hindrance than help, as there was a noticeable air gap between the plastic and the tempered glass protector on my phone's screen. This significantly decreased touch sensitivity, and I'd recommend just removing it in favour of a protector directly applied to your phone's screen.
Extra features - Aside from the Seidio Surface, I haven't seen any other phone cases with a built-in kickstand. This one is made of metal and feels very solid - a great addition for those who like watching media and like propping up their phone to do so. There is also a carabiner clip made of the same TPU as the rest of the case, increasing portability as this case is definitely not compatible for those who wear slim-fitting jeans.
Final thoughts - If you work in construction or any other rough/rugged environment, I'd recommend this case for the glut of protective features, short of waterproofness. However, its significant bulk and questionable styling makes me pause to recommend it to an average/casual user who doesn't need this level of protection.
3.5/4 stars
This review is of the Schnail Savior Series Clear Case with Aluminum Frame Military Grade Full Body Protective Rugged Cover in Black for the Google Pixel 4 XL.
Overall I really like this case. I have been using it for the last few days, and I have to say that I am surprised. I normally use Spigen, Caseology and Otterbox cases, but I really liked the overall appearance of this case and wanted to try it out.
When I first received it, it came in two main pieces. The outer frame, which is a combination of aluminum and TPU, and then a hard plastic inner frame. Assembly is pretty straight forward. Clean your phone really well, insert the phone into the plastic inner case, and then nest it into the aluminum and TPU outer case. You will want to get a small flat tool of some sort to help the lip of the TPU surround on the aluminum frame to clear the plastic inner frame. I wish that a tool had come with the phone in order to do so, but I found that a toothpick worked just fine. Once nested together completely, the case has a extremely solid feel. There is no movement like I have experienced before with other nesting phone cases. While this means it can be a pain to disassemble and reassemble, it also means that if you drop it the case isn't likely to come apart.
The quality construction and build seems to be on par if not better than other well known brands that I have owned and used in the past. The use of the aluminum frame is implemented nicely, which just the right amount of exposure, but not so much that it makes the case slippery. The clear backing is nice thick, and the lens cut out accents the raised camera lens very well. The lip provided by the aluminum frame and the rubber/plastic surround gives ample distance from the glass, which means should I accidentally drop the phone, it should avoid cracking the screen unless I happen to land directly on a sharp corner or raised object that strikes the screen directly. If there is one con to this case, it would be the raised lip, especially if you are using the new "swipe to go back" feature that Google has implemented in Android 10. You can still swipe to go back, but there is a bit of learning curve as you will need to press your finger into the edge of the lip before attempting to swipe. I use my thumb to do so, and found that if I attempt to use the edge/side of the my thumb, it doesn't work as well as if I press my thumb flush before swiping. A small sacrifice to make in order to ensure if I drop this phone that the raised edge will protect the screen from harm.
All in all, this is a case that I can highly recommend and will be my daily driver over my Spigen Tough Armor.
So I was sent this case for review as well, and if OP doesn't mind, I would like to 2nd a lot of what is said here.
The case is difficult to put on, but once the case is on I feel like I could throw it off my roof, and have it survive. Not that I actually did that... I had to use a butter knife to get the inner frame under that lip all the way around the front/top, but once the case was on, it felt very solid. Its difficult to disassemble so hypothetically a big drop shouldn't split the case in 2 like some other 2 piece cases have a tendency to do. If I had JerryRigEverything money, I would have loved to test it like that. The camera is well protected by raised edges, but not actually covered. The screen isn't covered either (like a lifeproof case), but I'm ok with that, it means I can bring my own glass screen protector.
As far as look and feel, it is a bit bulky, but thats the price you pay for this much protection. I like the clear back, since Google makes such a big deal about their colors, its nice to still see the back of my phone. The buttons line up properly, and are a little mushy, but nowhere near as bad as some other big cases. I might be the only one who appreciates the little loop holes on the bottom right of the case for adding a wrist strap or something. A Peak Design anchor is probably going to live there forever now. Wireless charging still works, but your mileage might vary, it does add a tiny bit of distance between the charger and the phone. Like OP, I also found the raised lip around the edge of the screen to be a bit annoying, especially since gestures is the new Pixel default. The gestures are harder to use, and there is a learning curve, or just go back to using the soft buttons at the bottom.
Overall, if a lot of protection is what you're looking for in a case, I have no problem recommending this one! Pictures to come, I just haven't had time to get out my real camera and take any.